In Flint, Mich., Kettering University opened its new $63 million Learning Commons, designed by Stantec. The new facility will support collaboration, ideation, and digital technology for the STEM-focused higher learning institution.
The four-story, 105,000-sf building includes an open-air atrium as well as a skylight designed to fill the entire interior with natural light. The first and second floors feature public gathering, dining, and collaborative spaces.
The third and fourth floors offer additional collaborative spaces and areas for research, student support, media resources, individual focus, and group project work. Other elements include a 200-seat multimedia auditorium and an overnight suite for guest professors and lecturers.
The facility also features more than a dozen spaces that serve as collaborative study and team rooms, with comfortable and functional seating for students, faculty, and staff, as well as digital and analog work tools. Two Knowledge Bars host a fully digital library, with more than 900,000 e-books, 100,000 e-journals, and 100-plus databases.
A 1,600-sf rooftop garden will reduce runoff and lower temperatures on its surface and the surrounding area.
Stantec’s design of the Learning Commons reflects the school’s longevity while offering durability for the years ahead.
“The Stantec team focused on giving the new facility a timeless and elegant design. The interior has been strategically designed to provide optimum flexibility, with power and technology woven throughout. The building can easily transform to meet the needs of students and faculty, while also allowing for easy adaptability to future programs or space reconfigurations,” Stantec said in a statement.
On the Building Team:
Owner: Kettering University
Design architect and architect of record: Stantec
MEP and structural engineer: Stantec
Civil/site engineer: Spalding DeDecker
Landscape architect: Michael J. Dul & Associates
Technology: NV5
General contractor/construction manager: Clark Construction Company
Related Stories
University Buildings | Apr 9, 2019
17-story Data Sciences building to rise on Boston University campus
KPMB Architects is designing the project.
University Buildings | Apr 2, 2019
Denning House completes at Stanford University
Ennead Architects designed the building.
University Buildings | Mar 28, 2019
Tulane University’s new student center combines the old and the new
StudioWTA designed the building.
University Buildings | Mar 27, 2019
Veterans Resource Center at Cypress College breaks ground
Sundt Construction is building the project.
University Buildings | Mar 26, 2019
The Bill & Melinda Gates Center for Computer Science & Engineering opens on the University of Washington campus
LMN Architects designed the facility.
Mixed-Use | Feb 21, 2019
An R&D-oriented innovation district is taking shape in the heart of Durham, N.C.
Its buildout has included converting old tobacco warehouses into offices and labs.
University Buildings | Feb 1, 2019
University of Miami design/build program receives new immersive-learning facility
Professor Rocco Ceo designed the studio space.
University Buildings | Jan 29, 2019
The Colorado School of Mines CoorsTek Center opens
Bohlin Cywinski Jackson designed the building.
University Buildings | Dec 17, 2018
SCUP and University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing release study results on lactation policy and facilities in U.S. higher education
There is a wide variability between how campuses accommodate the needs of breastfeeding mothers.
University Buildings | Dec 12, 2018
New Life Science Building at University of Washington designed for the next generation of research and teaching
Perkins+Will designed the facility.
